In a unique initiative aimed at addressing shoplifting, a Michigan judge has introduced a community service program that requires offenders to wash cars in a Walmart parking lot. Judge Jeffrey Clothier, who recently took office in Genesee County District Court, believes that this unconventional punishment will not only deter theft but also benefit honest shoppers who may face rising prices or store closures due to ongoing theft issues. The car washes, which will be free of charge, are set to begin in the spring.
Clothier expressed empathy towards those who commit theft, stating, “I don’t think everybody that steals is a bad person. Sometimes people are just down on their luck.” However, he emphasized the importance of accountability, noting that there will be consequences for illegal actions. This week, he started implementing the “Walmart wash” sentences for individuals charged with misdemeanor shoplifting at a Walmart in Grand Blanc Township, located about 50 miles north of Detroit. He anticipates that between 75 and 100 offenders will participate in these car wash events during March and April.
Walmart has agreed to support this initiative by providing water and necessary supplies for the car washes, although the company’s headquarters in Arkansas did not respond to requests for comment regarding the program. Clothier noted that he was taken aback by the extent of retail theft when he began his judicial role in January, observing that offenders came from various locations across Michigan and even from outside the state. He recalled a day when he had 48 shoplifting cases on his docket, highlighting the severity of the issue.
The judge believes that participating in the car wash could be a humbling experience for offenders, especially if they encounter acquaintances while performing the task. This sentiment was echoed by township Supervisor Scott Bennett, who mentioned that Walmart has designated a parking space for police due to the frequent theft incidents. County Prosecutor David Leyton praised the car wash initiative as an innovative approach, suggesting that even if it deters a single individual from stealing, it would be considered a success.
In a show of solidarity, Judge Clothier has committed to joining the offenders in washing cars, reinforcing the message that everyone is accountable for their actions. This program not only aims to reduce theft but also fosters a sense of community and responsibility among participants. By engaging in this hands-on community service, Clothier hopes to create a positive impact that extends beyond the parking lot, encouraging individuals to reflect on their choices and the consequences that follow.
Original news source: Michigan judge sentences Walmart shoplifters to wash cars in the parking lot (AP News)
🎧 Listen:
Slow
Normal
Fast
📖 Vocabulary:
| 1 | initiative | A new plan or action to solve a problem or improve a situation |
| 2 | offenders | People who have committed a crime or illegal act |
| 3 | deter | To discourage someone from doing something, typically by instilling doubt or fear of the consequences |
| 4 | empathy | The ability to understand and share the feelings of another |
| 5 | accountability | The state of being responsible for one’s actions and being answerable to someone for them |
| 6 | misdemeanor | A minor wrongdoing or criminal offense |
| 7 | anticipate | To expect or predict something |
| 8 | supplies | Necessary items or materials needed for a particular purpose |
| 9 | extent | The degree or scope of something |
| 10 | judicial | Relating to the administration of justice or the function of a judge |
| 11 | acquaintances | People one knows slightly, but who are not close friends |
| 12 | sentiment | A view or attitude toward a situation or event; an opinion |
| 13 | solidarity | Unity or agreement of feeling or action, especially among individuals with a common interest |
| 14 | fosters | Encourages the development or growth of something |
| 15 | consequences | The results or effects of an action or condition |
Group or Classroom Activities
Warm-up Activities:
– CHARADES
Instructions: Divide the class into two teams. Each team takes turns acting out key concepts or phrases from the article without speaking while their teammates guess what it is. Concepts could include “shoplifting,” “community service,” “car wash,” or “Judge Clothier.”
– NEWS REPORTER ROLE-PLAY
Instructions: In pairs, students will take on the roles of news reporters. One student will act as the reporter presenting the story about the community service program, while the other acts as a witness or participant in the program. They will improvise a news segment based on the details from the article.
– OPINION POLL
Instructions: Conduct a class poll on the effectiveness of community service as a punishment for shoplifting. Students will discuss their opinions in small groups and then share their views with the class, referencing points from the article to support their arguments.
– HEADLINE CREATION
Instructions: Students will work in small groups to create catchy headlines for the article. They should aim to summarize the main idea in a concise and engaging way, then share their headlines with the class.
– MIND MAP
Instructions: On a whiteboard or large paper, students will create a mind map related to the article’s main themes, such as “shoplifting,” “community service,” “accountability,” and “public perception.” They will collaborate to add related ideas and connections, facilitating a discussion about the implications of the program.
🤔 Comprehension Questions:
1. What is the purpose of the community service program introduced by Judge Jeffrey Clothier?
2. How does Judge Clothier view individuals who commit theft, according to the article?
3. What specific location is mentioned where the car wash program will take place?
4. How many offenders does Judge Clothier anticipate will participate in the car wash events during March and April?
5. What support has Walmart provided for the community service program?
6. What was Judge Clothier’s reaction to the extent of retail theft when he began his role?
7. How does township Supervisor Scott Bennett’s comment about police parking relate to the issue of theft at Walmart?
8. In what way does Judge Clothier plan to demonstrate solidarity with the offenders participating in the car wash initiative?
Go to answers ⇩
🎧✍️ Listen and Fill in the Gaps:
In a unique initiative aimed at addressing shoplifting, a Michigan judge has introduced a community (1)______ program that requires offenders to wash cars in a Walmart parking lot. Judge Jeffrey Clothier, who recently took office in Genesee County District Court, believes that this unconventional punishment will not only (2)______ theft but also benefit honest shoppers who may face rising prices or store closures due to ongoing theft issues. The car washes, which will be free of charge, are set to begin in the spring.
Clothier (3)______ empathy towards those who commit theft, (4)______, “I don’t think everybody that steals is a bad person. Sometimes people are just down on their luck.” However, he emphasized the importance of accountability, noting that there will be consequences for illegal (5)______. This week, he started implementing the “Walmart wash” sentences for individuals (6)______ with misdemeanor shoplifting at a Walmart in (7)______ Blanc Township, located about 50 miles north of Detroit. He anticipates that between 75 and 100 offenders will participate in these car wash events during March and April.
Walmart has agreed to support this initiative by providing water and necessary supplies for the car washes, although the company’s headquarters in Arkansas did not (8)______ to requests for comment regarding the program. Clothier noted that he was taken aback by the extent of retail theft when he began his judicial role in January, observing that offenders came from various (9)______ across Michigan and even from outside the (10)______. He recalled a day when he had 48 shoplifting cases on his docket, highlighting the severity of the issue.
The judge believes that (11)______ in the car wash could be a humbling experience for offenders, especially if they encounter acquaintances while performing the task. This sentiment was echoed by township Supervisor Scott Bennett, who mentioned that (12)______ has designated a parking space for police due to the frequent theft incidents. County Prosecutor David Leyton praised the car wash initiative as an innovative approach, (13)______ that even if it deters a single (14)______ from stealing, it would be considered a success.
In a show of solidarity, (15)______ Clothier has committed to joining the offenders in washing cars, reinforcing the message that everyone is accountable for their actions. This program not only aims to reduce theft but also fosters a sense of (16)______ and responsibility among participants. By engaging in this hands-on community service, Clothier hopes to create a positive impact that extends beyond the parking lot, encouraging individuals to reflect on their choices and the consequences that follow.
Go to answers ⇩
💬 Discussion Questions:
Students can ask a partner these questions, or discuss them as a group.
1. What is your opinion on community service as a punishment for minor crimes like shoplifting?
2. How would you feel if you were required to wash cars as a form of punishment for a crime?
3. Do you think that engaging in community service can help offenders understand the consequences of their actions? Why or why not?
4. What is a more effective way to deter theft: community service or traditional penalties like fines or jail time?
5. How do you think the public perceives individuals who commit shoplifting?
6. Do you believe that empathy towards offenders, as expressed by Judge Clothier, is important in the justice system? Why or why not?
7. What is your experience with community service? Do you think it can be beneficial for both the community and the individual?
8. How would you feel if you encountered someone you knew while participating in a community service program?
9. Do you think the involvement of a corporation like Walmart in this initiative is positive or negative? Why?
10. What is a better approach to address the root causes of theft, in your opinion?
11. How do you think this community service program might affect the relationship between the community and local law enforcement?
12. Do you think that public shaming, like washing cars in a parking lot, is an effective way to deter crime? Why or why not?
13. How would you feel if you were part of a community service program that involved working alongside offenders?
14. What is a more innovative approach to crime prevention that you would suggest, based on your understanding of community issues?
15. Do you think that programs like the “Walmart wash” could be implemented in other areas or countries? Why or why not?
Individual Activities
📖💭 Vocabulary Meanings:
Match each word to its meaning.
Words:
1. initiative
2. offenders
3. deter
4. empathy
5. accountability
6. misdemeanor
7. anticipate
8. supplies
9. extent
10. judicial
11. acquaintances
12. sentiment
13. solidarity
14. fosters
15. consequences
Meanings:
(A) To discourage someone from doing something, typically by instilling doubt or fear of the consequences
(B) A new plan or action to solve a problem or improve a situation
(C) A view or attitude toward a situation or event; an opinion
(D) Encourages the development or growth of something
(E) The results or effects of an action or condition
(F) To expect or predict something
(G) People who have committed a crime or illegal act
(H) The degree or scope of something
(I) The state of being responsible for one’s actions and being answerable to someone for them
(J) Necessary items or materials needed for a particular purpose
(K) The ability to understand and share the feelings of another
(L) Relating to the administration of justice or the function of a judge
(M) A minor wrongdoing or criminal offense
(N) Unity or agreement of feeling or action, especially among individuals with a common interest
(O) People one knows slightly, but who are not close friends
Go to answers ⇩
🔡 Multiple Choice Questions:
1. What is the purpose of the community service program introduced by Judge Jeffrey Clothier?
(a) To promote car washing
(b) To support Walmart’s business
(c) To reduce parking lot congestion
(d) To address shoplifting
2. Where will the car washes take place?
(a) In a Walmart parking lot
(b) At the courthouse
(c) In a community center
(d) At a local park
3. How does Judge Clothier feel about individuals who commit theft?
(a) He expresses empathy towards them
(b) He believes they should be punished harshly
(c) He thinks they are all bad people
(d) He ignores their circumstances
4. What is the anticipated number of offenders participating in the car wash events?
(a) About 50
(b) Over 200
(c) Between 75 and 100
(d) Less than 30
5. What support has Walmart provided for the car wash initiative?
(a) Financial donations
(b) Advertising for the program
(c) Employee volunteers
(d) Water and necessary supplies
6. How did Judge Clothier feel about the extent of retail theft when he began his judicial role?
(a) He was not surprised
(b) He found it exaggerated
(c) He was taken aback
(d) He thought it was normal
7. What does Judge Clothier hope participants will gain from washing cars?
(a) A chance to socialize
(b) A humbling experience
(c) A way to earn money
(d) A skill in car maintenance
8. What message does Judge Clothier aim to reinforce by joining offenders in washing cars?
(a) The importance of community service
(b) Accountability for actions
(c) The need for stricter laws
(d) The value of hard work
Go to answers ⇩
🕵️ True or False Questions:
1. The initiative aims to foster a sense of community and responsibility among participants.
2. The car washes will be held in a Walmart parking lot and will be free of charge.
3. The program is set to begin in the fall and will involve 50 to 75 offenders.
4. The judge plans to participate in washing cars alongside the offenders to emphasize accountability.
5. Walmart is not providing water and supplies for the car washes but has not commented on the initiative.
6. Judge Clothier observed a significant number of shoplifting cases since starting his judicial role in January.
7. A Michigan judge has removed a community service program for shoplifting offenders.
8. Judge Jeffrey Clothier believes the car wash program will encourage theft and harm honest shoppers.
Go to answers ⇩
📝 Write a Summary:
Write a summary of this news article in two sentences.
Check your writing now with the best free AI for English writing!
Writing Questions:
Answer the following questions. Write as much as you can for each answer.
Check your answers with our free English writing assistant!
1. What is the purpose of the community service program introduced by Judge Jeffrey Clothier for shoplifting offenders?
2. How does Judge Clothier view the motivations behind theft, and what does he believe is important for offenders?
3. What role is Walmart playing in the community service program, and how has the company responded to inquiries about it?
4. What are the anticipated outcomes of the car wash initiative, according to Judge Clothier and other officials?
5. In what ways does Judge Clothier plan to participate in the program, and what message does this send about accountability?
✅ Answers
🤔✅ Comprehension Question Answers:
1. What is the purpose of the community service program introduced by Judge Jeffrey Clothier?
The purpose of the community service program is to address shoplifting by requiring offenders to wash cars in a Walmart parking lot, aiming to deter theft and benefit honest shoppers.
2. How does Judge Clothier view individuals who commit theft, according to the article?
Judge Clothier views individuals who commit theft with empathy, stating that he does not believe everyone who steals is a bad person and recognizes that some may be down on their luck.
3. What specific location is mentioned where the car wash program will take place?
The car wash program will take place at a Walmart in Grand Blanc Township, located about 50 miles north of Detroit.
4. How many offenders does Judge Clothier anticipate will participate in the car wash events during March and April?
Judge Clothier anticipates that between 75 and 100 offenders will participate in the car wash events during March and April.
5. What support has Walmart provided for the community service program?
Walmart has agreed to support the initiative by providing water and necessary supplies for the car washes.
6. What was Judge Clothier’s reaction to the extent of retail theft when he began his role?
Judge Clothier was taken aback by the extent of retail theft, noting that he observed a significant number of shoplifting cases on his docket, including 48 cases in one day.
7. How does township Supervisor Scott Bennett’s comment about police parking relate to the issue of theft at Walmart?
Township Supervisor Scott Bennett’s comment about police parking relates to the issue of theft at Walmart by highlighting that frequent theft incidents have necessitated a designated parking space for police.
8. In what way does Judge Clothier plan to demonstrate solidarity with the offenders participating in the car wash initiative?
Judge Clothier plans to demonstrate solidarity by joining the offenders in washing cars, reinforcing the message of accountability for everyone involved.
Go back to questions ⇧
🎧✍️✅ Listen and Fill in the Gaps Answers:
(1) service
(2) deter
(3) expressed
(4) stating
(5) actions
(6) charged
(7) Grand
(8) respond
(9) locations
(10) state
(11) participating
(12) Walmart
(13) suggesting
(14) individual
(15) Judge
(16) community
Go back to questions ⇧
📖💭✅ Vocabulary Meanings Answers:
1. initiative
Answer: (B) A new plan or action to solve a problem or improve a situation
2. offenders
Answer: (G) People who have committed a crime or illegal act
3. deter
Answer: (A) To discourage someone from doing something, typically by instilling doubt or fear of the consequences
4. empathy
Answer: (K) The ability to understand and share the feelings of another
5. accountability
Answer: (I) The state of being responsible for one’s actions and being answerable to someone for them
6. misdemeanor
Answer: (M) A minor wrongdoing or criminal offense
7. anticipate
Answer: (F) To expect or predict something
8. supplies
Answer: (J) Necessary items or materials needed for a particular purpose
9. extent
Answer: (H) The degree or scope of something
10. judicial
Answer: (L) Relating to the administration of justice or the function of a judge
11. acquaintances
Answer: (O) People one knows slightly, but who are not close friends
12. sentiment
Answer: (C) A view or attitude toward a situation or event; an opinion
13. solidarity
Answer: (N) Unity or agreement of feeling or action, especially among individuals with a common interest
14. fosters
Answer: (D) Encourages the development or growth of something
15. consequences
Answer: (E) The results or effects of an action or condition
Go back to questions ⇧
🔡✅ Multiple Choice Answers:
1. What is the purpose of the community service program introduced by Judge Jeffrey Clothier?
Answer: (d) To address shoplifting
2. Where will the car washes take place?
Answer: (a) In a Walmart parking lot
3. How does Judge Clothier feel about individuals who commit theft?
Answer: (a) He expresses empathy towards them
4. What is the anticipated number of offenders participating in the car wash events?
Answer: (c) Between 75 and 100
5. What support has Walmart provided for the car wash initiative?
Answer: (d) Water and necessary supplies
6. How did Judge Clothier feel about the extent of retail theft when he began his judicial role?
Answer: (c) He was taken aback
7. What does Judge Clothier hope participants will gain from washing cars?
Answer: (b) A humbling experience
8. What message does Judge Clothier aim to reinforce by joining offenders in washing cars?
Answer: (b) Accountability for actions
Go back to questions ⇧
🕵️✅ True or False Answers:
1. The initiative aims to foster a sense of community and responsibility among participants. (Answer: True)
2. The car washes will be held in a Walmart parking lot and will be free of charge. (Answer: True)
3. The program is set to begin in the fall and will involve 50 to 75 offenders. (Answer: False)
4. The judge plans to participate in washing cars alongside the offenders to emphasize accountability. (Answer: True)
5. Walmart is not providing water and supplies for the car washes but has not commented on the initiative. (Answer: False)
6. Judge Clothier observed a significant number of shoplifting cases since starting his judicial role in January. (Answer: True)
7. A Michigan judge has removed a community service program for shoplifting offenders. (Answer: False)
8. Judge Jeffrey Clothier believes the car wash program will encourage theft and harm honest shoppers. (Answer: False)
Go back to questions ⇧
